Romas Kalanta

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Memorial for Kalanta in Kaunas

Romas Kalanta (February 22, 1953 - May 14, 1972) is considered a national hero of Lithuania, and is the subject of several books. Romas Kalanta set himself on fire in a public place in the Lithuanian city of Kaunas on May 14, 1972 in protest of the oppression of the Lithuanian language, culture and people by the government of the Soviet Union. At the time it was very difficult to tell the western world about this oppression, as the Soviet government made foreign communications nearly impossible.

Up until the time of this event, foreigners were only able to see the "bright" side of the Lithuanian situation—the side that the government wanted them to see. Kalanta's suicide was seen by many people, including journalists who visited the Soviet Union. The Soviet government tried to cover up the event, but its story spread as legend by word of mouth. This caused student unrest in Lithuania, especially in Kaunas.

Kalanta used fuel to set himself alight. Due to the need for secrecy at the time, details of the event are disputed. The common belief is that he and a few of his classmates formed a patriot group, and that they held a lottery to determine which of them would have to carry out the mission.